Speaker: Ralph Buglass

Around the turn of the 20th century, the Dupont Circle area was transformed from an outpost of the federal city to the preserve of the wealthy, who built immense mansions in a variety of ornate styles. This talk will draw on vintage photos to tell stories of these extravagant residences--most of them surviving today for other purposes--and the equally flamboyant characters who once lived in them--though often just part of the year.

Ralph Buglass teaches lifelong learning courses at American University, Johns Hopkins University, Montgomery College, and Frederick Community College. Ralph is a frequent speaker for Montgomery History on a variety of local history topics. He also is a volunteer researcher for Peerless Rockville, the non-profit historic preservation organization for Montgomery County’s seat of government. In 2020, with Peerless Rockville, he co-authored Images of America: Rockville, a pictorial history of the city’s 250 years. A Montgomery County native, he graduated from Winston Churchill High School, then earned a BA in American history from Cornell University and an MA in journalism from American University.

Northwest Neighbors Village is a local non-profit dedicated to building a supportive community where older adults are valued and age with dignity. We are delighted to offer these programs for free to our neighbors, and keep you engaged and learning. To learn more about us or to support our efforts to enable older adults to thrive in Northwest, DC, please visit our homepage.